KING CITY — To celebrate National Ag Day, the King City High School FFA chapter participated in the 2021 5K for FFA Virtual Fun Run last month, hosted by the National FFA Organization.
About 45 club members, faculty and extended family participated and came together to run, skip, walk and even bike ride in the 5K on March 25.
FFA members who participated were able to earn an activity point toward their grade, while the ag teachers were thrilled to be able to host something in the midst of Covid protocols.
Track and field distance runners were also excited to be able to run a race. Most of the school’s distance track runners also participated in cross country, which saw its 2020 season canceled due to the pandemic.
Former two-time All-League and All-CCS runner Mario Avila led the 5K with a time of 16:08. Josh Riley followed right behind Avila at 15:38.
Fellow FFA member Austin Short rode his bike alongside the lead runners, while the other distance runners Anthony Perez and Angel Aguilar maintained steady pacing for the third and fourth places.
While the track runners were thrilled with an opportunity to race, other FFA members found other reasons to enjoy the 5K.
FFA officer Emily Villasenor said the event was a “huge success” in her eyes.
“With all the ag members and track athletes involvement, we were able to achieve our goal of making this run possible to everyone,” Villasenor said. “It was a fun experience in general, running with my peers and teachers. Although, some took an easier route, like Mr. Smith. Overall, I feel like the event was a fun and memorable experience.”
Avila added that the 5K had been a “good way to test one’s ability after (probably) not being as active as you can be during the pandemic compared to before where you would’ve had P.E., sports or other aerobic activities to do.”
He said he was excited to put the training he has done on his own into this race.
Article submitted by Josh Riley.
